Basically I've been suffering for over two and a half years from chronic upper back pain, mainly in my shoulders that causes referred pain down my right arm (although in last 5 months it's been affecting my left as well)So I'm in constant pain despite massive amounts of medication. I've seen Orthopedics, Neurology, Physiotherapy. I've attended pain management courses and had x-rays and an MRI done. Nothing has come up or helped. BAsically there is nothing 'physically' wrong with my back or nerves that's causing the pain. For some reason my nerves have got stuck 'on' sending pain signals and can't stop. The plan is to give me a nerve block called a stellate ganglion block, sometime in the new year which should force the nerves 'off' and give the nerves a break, theoretically breaking the pain cycle and we can then start to re-train the nerves.

The problem is that the pain is becoming less predictable and I've passed out due to a rapid increase in the pain a few times in the last few weeks. I'm getting less warning that this might happen and it doesn't happen every time the pain increases. Also while doing things (anything from aqua fit to sitting too long) I get sorer anyway so it's not like there's a nice clear cut list of things for me to avoid doing to prevent this.

Massages and taking diazepam when I feel worse can help but that's not really a good solution and I don't always have time for it to take affect before the pain reaches blacking out point.

As the doctor in A&E on Monday said, it's a 'complex condition'

But surviving, went back to my aqua fit class this morning and kept it easy and low resistance (while feeling the eyes of every lifeguard on me!) and I managed the class and haven't blacked out today

Whoa, should show this post to my biology teacher, her kind of language

Hazy,all I can say is, you have been through a lot... I hope the pain subsides eventually. You are in my prayers...

Hope you are feeling better today and that you get your appointment for your scan. I have fainted a few times and it is not pleasant. Surely your doctor should write a letter to the hospital and get you a quick appointment. You must be exasperated as well hope you get word soon about an appointment.

Hope you are feeling better today and that you get your appointment for your scan. I have fainted a few times and it is not pleasant. Surely your doctor should write a letter to the hospital and get you a quick appointment. You must be exasperated as well hope you get word soon about an appointment.

Yeah I'd have thought she would too, but not heard anything. My dad did leave a message with the consultants office answering machine yesterday but no word. Thankfully been okay today but the uncertainty is stressing me out as is the need for constant babysitting to make sure I'm okay

iv got a wee umbilica hernia...going to see doc soon to arrange a wee op......so might be able to see the Aussie open......waiting list permitting....hope the surgeon is a tennis fan.

Gutted......was told that the waiting list was 2 to 3 months but got phone call on Thursday to say that they can they can do the op on the 14th January so will have to be off work for at least 3 weeks......I am so upset..........medicinal purposes only.. Anyway, wish me luck.